Venezuela has claimed its first-ever World Baseball Classic title with a dramatic 3-2 win over the United States (US) in the final held in Miami on Tuesday.

 

The historic victory came after a tense contest that went down to the final inning, with Eugenio Suárez driving in the winning run in the top of the ninth.

 

Venezuela had taken control early in the game before the US fought back to level the score late on. However, Suárez’s decisive hit sealed the result and sparked celebrations among players and fans inside the stadium.

 

“Nobody believed in Venezuela but now we win the championship today,” Suárez said after the match.

 

“This is a celebration for all the Venezuelan country,” he added.

 

Several players wrapped themselves in flags as they marked a landmark moment in the country’s baseball history.

 

The win holds added significance as it comes during a period of political tension in Venezuela, making the triumph even more emotional for fans.

 

The US, despite fielding a star-studded lineup, fell short in the final for the second consecutive edition after also losing the 2023 title clash.

 

This year’s tournament featured some of baseball’s biggest names, including Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, highlighting the global appeal of the competition.

 

For Venezuela, the victory marks a defining moment, as the team finally lifted the trophy after years of near misses and established itself among the elite nations in international baseball.